TheHitchhikers GuideTo The Galaxy

Earth Edition

The love that dare...

I've never heard the phrase 'The love That Dare Not Speak Its Name' used specifically for lesbians or in that sort of context. The phrase was popularised by the trial of Oscar Wilde and has been used more in connection with gay men than lesbians.

The love that dare...

Indeed. I had to look up the reference, despite my usually being well-versed in gay history. But you are indeed right, Speckly. Technically, the quote is first attributed to poet Lord Alfred Douglas, who lived in Wilde's time. But Wilde reused the phrase in his own work, and was then stuck justifying it in his trial for gross indecency.

I have heard the phrase specifically used for/about lesbians, mainly in reference to pop culture. This would include movies like The Killing of Sister George (1968), The Children's Hour(1962), or Thelma and Louise (1991) and television shows like Xena or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In all these cases, lesbians who might otherwise be out of the closet die.

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